Continuing to Develop an Aerospace Strategy

The Ohio Aerospace & Aviation Center recently held a one-day summit at the GE Learning and Aviation Center, Cincinnati, OH. The summit focused on helping suppliers find ways to increase their business with companies such as Boeing (spending $4.8 billion annually on procurement), GE Aviation (spending more than $1.2 billion annually on procurement), and Airbus (spending $4.3 billion in 2009). Not surprisingly, these companies have helped make aerospace the second largest industry in Ohio, behind agriculture.

During the summit, more than 160 attendees listened to presentations from industry leaders on the direction of the aerospace industry, seeing what the state of Ohio offers these OEMs while addressing other challenges in the aerospace industry.

According to U.S. Sen. Rob Portman (R-Ohio), the two main challenges facing the aerospace industry is the slow economy and the looming budget cuts.

However, according to Stan Deal, vice president and general manager of supply chain management and operations at Boeing, he sees a bright future for Ohio and the aerospace industry. Boeing projects a $4 trillion worldwide market for 32,000 aircraft through 2032, which would help increase business with Ohio-based suppliers. It also positions Boeing ahead of Airbus as the number one OEM in Ohio.

In addition, GE aviation is working with partners from the greater Dayton area to build a $51 million research and development center to develop next-generation electric power systems. The scheduled completion date is 2013.

With all of these contracts and programs in place, Ohio is looking to continue moving forward by building its expertise in Unmanned Aircraft, with a plan to seek federal approval for designated airspace to test-fly UAV's in the greater Dayton area.

While many industries are suffering from a slow economy and budget cuts, very few industries have an opportunity to grow like the aerospace industry in Ohio.

Ohio Aerospace Facts:

• Ohio invests $9 billion, annually in aerospace R&D and testing
• Ohio is the home of 24 astronauts including John Glenn, Neil Armstrong, and Jim Lovell
• Ohio has more than 600 private companies in the aerospace and defense industry (nearly twice the national average)
• Ohio is a top global supplier to Airbus (#1), Boeing (#2), and Northrop Grumman (#3)
• Ohio is a leader in aircraft engine manufacturing and development, with 17% of total U.S. industry
• Ohio is also the home of NASA Glenn Research Center and Wright Patterson Air Force Base